Crane says Slay told Obama about the push in St. Louis to establish a gun docket, which would allow for a more focused approach to prosecuting gun crimes. For example, judges could be dedicated to gun crimes through a docket.

Slay is a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a national coalition that has advocated for stricter gun policies and supported the president's efforts to reduce gun violence. And over the weekend, Slay participated in an event with the St. Louis chapter of the national group Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America, which has been active in Washington D.C.

Sam Levin

Slay celebrating his reelection on Tuesday.

In the relatively brief chat, Slay also discussed health care with the president -- specifically regarding his support for Governor Jay Nixon's push for Medicaid expansion, which is being debated at the Capitol.

"It's incredibly meaningful when the president of the United States takes time out of his busy schedule to call a local mayor," Crane says, adding that Slay "was touched and humbled."